Segula Technologies' hybrid composite Hagora concept

Segula Technologies may not exactly be a household automotive name, but if designs like the Hagora are any indication, it could be in the future. Designed to protect and serve the environment, the new concept car combines an innovative hybrid powertrain, composite construction, 1 + 2 layout and sporty crossover styling.

Unlike most engine-driven and hybrid cars, which use four-stroke engines, the Hagora's hybrid powertrain starts with a two-stroke engine more common on motorcycles, chainsaws and other smaller hardware. The direct-injection 120-hp BRP Rotax engine lightens things up, and Segula says that the entire powertrain, which includes a 100-hp electric motor and continuously variable transmission (CVT), weighs about the same as a traditional gas engine. The driver can balance motor and engine output through several driving modes, including fully electric.

In addition to the lighter engine, Segula keeps weight down with several other strategies. It strips some common electrical equipment and wiring from the cabin, relying more heavily upon the driver's smartphone or tablet computer for control. The driver's smart device connects to the car using the MiWi wireless protocol and can control things like ventilation and audio and get readouts of vehicle settings.

Segula uses a variety of recyclable composites in the build of the Hagora, making it lighter during its lifespan and easier on the environment when that lifespan comes to an end. Segula lists the Hagora's weight at a very lightweight 850 kg (1,873 lbs), which would ensure that the car gets the most out of its small hybrid powertrain.

While the construction and mechanicals of the Hagora sound great on paper, they also sound like just that – paper. The car is still highly conceptual, as evidenced by the lack of hard numbers. What does look solid is the car's styling. The Hagora looks to us like a sport coupe's front-end bolted to a hot hatch like the Honda CR-Z or Hyundai Veloster.

It joins the Tesla Model X as one of the few truly attractive crossover designs that we've seen, thanks to its narrow, e-tron-likeheadlamps, sculpted hood, glass roof, and butterfly doors. The McLaren P1 might have dropped the 1 + 2 layout of its predecessor, but one car on display at the Paris Motor Show is brave enough to incorporate it.

Segula calls the concept it is showing at the Paris Motor Show a preview and says it plans to tinker around with the design over the next three years. It believes the hybrid powertrain is well-suited to new markets like Asia and South America.